In the final months of the school year and as families begin planning for summer camps, travel, and outdoor activities, the Kane County Health Department (KCHD) is encouraging residents to take a few simple, but effective steps to protect children from measles, a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly in classrooms, camps, and other group settings.
Cases of measles continue to occur across the United States and in Illinois, often linked to travel and lower vaccination coverage. With children spending time in close contact at school now and soon transitioning into summer camps and group programs, prevention remains more important than ever.
“Whether in the classroom or at camp, children are in close contact with one another, which makes it easier for illnesses like measles to spread,” said Michael Isaacson, KCHD executive director. “Staying up to date on vaccinations and practicing good health habits helps keep kids safe year-round.”
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger in a space for up to two hours. Symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective:
•Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
•Children should receive their first dose at 12–15 months and a second dose at four to six years.
Parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of measles and other illnesses by:
•Ensuring children are up to date on all required school vaccinations.
•Keeping children home if they are sick, especially with fever or rash.
•Teaching and reinforcing proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
•Notifying the school if a child is diagnosed with or exposed to measles.
•Checking in with a healthcare provider if unsure about vaccination status.
For more information about measles prevention and vaccination, visit: https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Measles.aspx
—Kane County government